Italy ‘in reconstruction’ after chastening World Cup, says Allan

PERPIGNAN, France — Italy head into the Six Nations as rank outsiders following a dismal World Cup but fly-half Tommaso Allan believes they have the talent to turn things around as they prepare to kick off against England in Rome on Saturday. “I think we’re capable of doing well in the tournament this year,” he told AFP.

“We have some really dangerous three-quarters and forwards who are good with the ball. Now we’ve got a new coach and a new staff,” adds the 30-year-old.”We’re a team in reconstruction. We’ll have to adapt, and quickly.

”It is fighting talk from a nation that has struggled since the day it joined the old Five Nations in 2000. Italy has never come close to winning the title, their highest finish coming in 2013 when they came fourth after wins over France and Ireland.

On the flip side, they have taken the wooden spoon in nine of the last 10 years with just 13 victories in 120 matches.

Since 2013 they have won twice. The World Cup was even more catastrophic as they were hammered 60-7 by France and, close your eyes if you are squeamish, 96-17 by New Zealand.”